Getting Chilled May Bring On a Cold

Contrary to conventional opinion, getting cold may indeed be connected to catching one, based on a British study that compared the health of 90 students who planted their bare feet in buckets of cold water, versus an equal number who wore shoes and socks, for 20 minutes.

Within a few days, 13 students reported cold symptoms -- sore throat or a runny nose -- compared to the control group. Interestingly, those who developed a cold during the study also reported more problems with them every year than those who experienced no symptoms at all.

One of the frigid factors that make people more susceptible to colds: Cold feet can cause pronounced constriction of the blood vessels in the nose, making patients who may have been exposed or infected with a virus more prone to infection.

Based on these results, the chances are good you'll be exposed to someone at work or home fighting a cold this winter. That said, there's no need to go into hibernation until next spring. Prevention is the key to lessen your chances safely and naturally and without resorting to over-the-counter drugs.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content.

If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content.

If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.